Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Crispy edges and soft centers define these delightful air fryer peanut butter cookies that melt in your mouth.

Homemade treats like these always spark instant joy in my kitchen.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor with this simple recipe.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy warm, fresh cookies in minutes.

Perfectly golden and irresistibly fragrant, these cookies promise pure comfort.

Sweet crumbles of peanut butter goodness await you in every bite.

Baking just got easier and more delicious with this game-changing method.

Jump into making these cookies and treat yourself to something spectacular.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredient Essentials

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base for the cookie's rich flavor, choose natural or smooth variety for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create soft cookie structure, use light or dark brown sugar based on preference.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough, fresh large eggs work best.

• Extra Peanut Butter: Creates a luscious center filling, select same type used in cookie base.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling, ensuring smooth consistency.

• Baking Soda: Provides slight rise and helps cookies brown, essential for texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's overall flavor profile.
• Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances peanut butter taste, use fine grain for even distribution.

Air Fryer Method for Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Cookie Base

Create a smooth, creamy mixture by combining peanut butter, sugars, and egg in a large mixing bowl.

Blend thoroughly until the ingredients are fully integrated and look silky.

Add baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt, stirring until completely mixed.

Step 2: Prepare Secret Filling

• Peanut butter
• Powdered sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thicker.

Step 3: Form Delightful Dough Balls

Scoop out portions of cookie dough and roll into perfect spheres.

Gently flatten each ball in your palm, creating a small indentation.

Place a tiny dollop of prepared filling in the center.

Carefully fold the dough around the filling, sealing completely.

Roll each ball smoothly to create a uniform shape.

Step 4: Design Cookie Tops

Arrange filled dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each cookie.

Use a fork to press a classic crisscross pattern on top, slightly flattening the cookies.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

Cook cookies in batches, ensuring they have breathing room.

Fry for 8–10 minutes until edges turn golden brown and develop a delicate crisp exterior.

Step 6: Cool and Savor

Transfer cookies carefully to a wire rack.

Allow them to rest for 5–10 minutes, letting the filling set while maintaining its gooey, delectable center.

Enjoy the warm, freshly baked treat with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage.

Air Fryer Tips for Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

• Adjust the cooking time for softer or crispier cookies based on your preference, aiming for golden edges and a slightly soft center.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick spray to ensure easy cookie removal and minimal cleanup.
• Freeze the peanut butter filling for 10-15 minutes before stuffing to make it easier to handle and prevent mixing with the outer dough.
• Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option, or use almond butter for a different flavor profile.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their perfect texture.

Keep Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for maximum 3 months. Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before storing to maintain freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying for best texture and flavor.

What to Pair with Peanut Butter Cookies

• Savor Peanut Butter Bliss Pairings
• Enhance Classic Cookie Companions: Creamy cold milk creates the ultimate dunking experience, melting the cookie's rich peanut butter center and balancing its sweetness perfectly.
• Brew Complementary Beverage Match: Dark roast coffee with its robust flavor cuts through the cookie's richness, providing a bold contrast that elevates each delectable bite.
• Create Gourmet Dessert Experience: Vanilla bean ice cream alongside these warm cookies transforms the treat into a decadent dessert, offering a cool, smooth counterpoint to the cookie's warm, nutty texture.
• Explore Unexpected Flavor Fusion: Salted caramel hot chocolate adds depth and complexity, its sweet-salty profile harmonizing beautifully with the peanut butter's smooth, intense character.

Air Fryer Cookies with Texture Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without changing the core recipe.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free peanut butter for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated and brown sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Cookies: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the dough for extra protein boost, perfect for fitness enthusiasts seeking a nutritious treat.

FAQs

• Why use an air fryer for these peanut butter cookies?

Air fryers create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy, and they cook faster than traditional ovens with more even heat distribution.

• Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Yes, both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work well. Just ensure it’s a smooth, spreadable consistency without separation.

• Is it necessary to chill the dough before air frying?

No chilling is required for this recipe. You can shape and air fry the cookies immediately after preparing the dough.

• How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers to ensure easy cookie removal.

Peanut Butter Cookies In The Air Fryer That Stay Soft And Rich

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up delightful peanut butter cookies in minutes using your air fryer, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create delicious treats with just a few pantry staples like peanut butter, sugars, and an egg, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible.
• Surprise Filling Delight: Enjoy a hidden pocket of creamy peanut butter inside each cookie, adding an unexpected burst of flavor that elevates the classic cookie experience.
• Hassle-Free Cooking Method: Air frying ensures crispy edges and a soft center without heating up the entire kitchen, making it an efficient and convenient baking technique.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible air fryer peanut butter cookies deliver classic comfort with modern kitchen magic. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and rich nutty flavor promise a delightful treat you’ll savor in just minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (for filling)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg

Secondary Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 pinch sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a smooth, homogeneous mixture by vigorously blending peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars, and the egg until the texture becomes uniformly creamy and well-integrated.
2. Incorporate baking soda, vanilla extract, and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
3. Create a luxurious filling by whisking the reserved peanut butter with powdered sugar, aiming for a slightly thickened consistency that will melt deliciously inside the cookie.
4. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, gently flattening each ball to create a small crater for the filling.
5. Carefully nestle a modest dollop of the prepared filling into the center of each dough portion, meticulously sealing the edges to encase the creamy center completely.
6. Roll the filled dough balls between your palms to achieve a smooth, uniform shape that conceals the hidden filling.
7. Arrange the cookies in the air fryer basket, leaving sufficient space between each to allow proper heat circulation.
8. Press a classic crisscross pattern onto each cookie using the tines of a fork, which simultaneously flattens and decorates the surface.
9. Activate the air fryer to 350°F, cooking the cookies in carefully managed batches for 8-10 minutes until the edges transform into a golden, slightly crisp hue.
10. Transfer the freshly cooked cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to rest for 5-10 minutes, during which the molten filling will gradually stabilize while maintaining its luscious interior.

Notes

• Customize sugar levels by adjusting granulated and brown sugar for desired sweetness intensity.
• Experiment with different nut butter alternatives like almond or cashew butter for unique flavor profiles.
• Ensure filling doesn’t leak by pinching dough edges firmly and rolling gently to seal completely.
• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg